News Releases

Poacher Kills Large Buck after Close of Season

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says a poacher was apprehended in Morrisville late at night on December 14, after illegally killing a mature antlered buck. Skylar Poleio of Hyde Park, age 22, was arrested at around 11:15 p.m. after he and another male returned to retrieve the buck Poleio had killed.

A complainant called 911 at around 10:30 p.m. after hearing a shot outside a residence on Cote Hill Road in Morrisville. A Vermont State Game Warden was notified and he, along with officers from the Morrisville Police Department and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s office responded.

A thermal imaging device was ultimately used by the Sheriff’s office and Morrisville Police Department to locate the alleged offenders in the woods. Poleio was charged with Taking Deer in Closed Season which carries a potential two-month jail term for the first offense. Poleio could also lose his right to hunt, fish and trap in Vermont for three years and face $2,500 in fines and restitution.

This is Poleio’s second criminal charge relating to Fish & Wildlife crime this fall. On the opening weekend of November rifle season Poleio and Floyd Pecor, age 34 of Wolcott, were apprehended by a Lamoille County Sheriff’s deputy after attempting to locate deer at night with a spotlight. A loaded deer rifle was also found in the vehicle. An area game warden was called and the two were charged and their equipment was seized. A three-year license suspension and heavy fines apply to these charges as well.

Source: Department of Fish and Wildlife
Last Updated at: December 20, 2012 11:37:25